African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has questioned the achievements of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, asking what public service or national contribution justified the organisation of an elaborate colloquium in his honour.
Sowore raised the question in a post on his X handle on Monday, October 12, 2026, criticising the event, which was livestreamed on major television stations, as an example of what he described as Nigeria’s growing culture of sycophancy and the celebration of political connections.
“What exactly has @STinubu contributed to Nigerian society to warrant this elaborate colloquium, attended by so many ‘prominent personalities’ and broadcast across major television stations?” he asked.
The activist further challenged the basis for the celebration, questioning whether Seyi Tinubu was being honoured for measurable achievements or simply because of his relationship with the President.
“What extraordinary public service, intellectual contribution, or national achievement is being celebrated?” Sowore wrote, adding: “Is this about merit, or simply about being the son of a sitting president?”
He said the event had prompted concerns about the values shaping public recognition in Nigeria, arguing that the country was increasingly celebrating proximity to political power rather than demonstrable contributions to society.
To illustrate his argument, Sowore recalled politically prominent marriages during the administration of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, involving members of the presidential family and serving governors. He argued that the public spectacle surrounding those relationships faded after Yar’Adua’s death.
Sowore also questioned the timing and scale of the colloquium against the backdrop of economic hardship, unemployment, hunger and insecurity affecting millions of Nigerians.
“At a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling with hunger, unemployment, insecurity, and economic hardship brought about by his father, @officialABAT, we should be having national shaming of the Tinubu regime. Sad day!” he wrote.
His comments have placed the focus on wider questions about political privilege, public honours and the criteria used to celebrate influential figures in Nigeria. However, Sowore’s criticism does not independently establish the organisers’ reasons for holding the colloquium or settle the question of Seyi Tinubu’s contributions to society.